Celebrating our 22^nd Wedding Anniversary

It was a beautiful, bright, sunny day on July 30th, 1994.

It was not too hot, which was always a possibility in the Helen of the West, the beautiful island of St. Lucia. The birds were chirping and her world was perfect. Everything was in place. The bridesmaids had their dresses and the groomsmen had their suits. The church had been decorated, as well as the hall for the reception. The photographer and the musician had been contacted and knew their roles. The food was being prepared by very competent hands. The cake was ready. The bride and her maid of honor were getting their hair done; they would do their own makeup. The bride and groom had had almost six months of pre- marital counseling.  She took notes, although she perhaps thought there was no need. She loved him, he loved her, and they were both Christians.  What could possibly go wrong?  She was ready and willing to be the perfect wife. It was a beautiful, bright, sunny day, the birds were chirping, the world was perfect, right?

Welllll… Not quite!  Here is what the Lord has taught me through this institution called marriage. My husband cannot be the center of my universe; that place of honor belongs to the Lord.  His role is not to make me ‘happy’, believe it or not, he is just a man. The inner peace and contentment that my heart craves can only be provided by God when I depend and trust in Him. The Word of God has to be the final authority in my life if I desire a harmonious relationship.  I learnt that when the Lord said to be kind, love, pray for, and forgive, that included my husband. I have learned that God did not SUGGEST submission, but actually commanded it. Wow!  Well, I still need to be reminded of this, at times.  I have learned that I am NOT always right. That one took some time to learn :).  I have come to the realization that I know an Awesome, Loving, Forgiving God who never, NO NEVER, makes a mistake.  He surely has given me the most handsome, loving, hard working, kind, generous man in the world.  I love you, babe!  I am looking forward to many, many more anniversaries with you.  CHEERS!!!